RECORD EARNINGS FOR RIDGESTONE BANK IN 2014

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (February 13, 2015) – Ridgestone Financial Services finished the year with record earnings in 2014. Ridgestone Bank announced a net income of $11.9 million for 2014 compared with income of $7.1 million for 2013. Fourth quarter earnings were $2.4 million in 2014 compared to earnings of $1.4 million for the fourth quarter in 2013. Earnings per share were $3.55 for 2014. This is the second consecutive year of record earnings for the bank.

In addition, as a result of the bank’s strong performance and strong capital position, Ridgestone Financial Services’ Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share to its shareholders of record on Feb. 2, 2015 and payable on Feb. 16, 2015.

“We are pleased to pay a quarterly dividend to shareholders this quarter,” said Bruce Lammers, president of Ridgestone Bank and Chairman of the Board. “2014 was an outstanding year, and we expect our positive earnings and growth to continue. Our business model and focus on government guaranteed lending has proven to be extremely beneficial in our improving economy. More small businesses are looking to expand and grow, and we are able to help them succeed with creative financial solutions.”

Ridgestone Bank is a leader in SBA lending, and originated $282 million in new government guaranteed loans in 2014. The bank earned the following rankings as of December 31st 2014, for SBA lending in dollar volume, according to the Small Business Administration:

#1 in Illinois

#2 in Wisconsin

#2 in Indiana

#7 in the nation

Ridgestone Bank is a privately-held bank with locations in Brookfield, Wis. and Schaumburg, Ill., as well as lending teams in Indianapolis, Green Bay, Wis., Wausau, Wis. and Los Angeles. Founded in 1995, the bank is a leader in small business and government guaranteed lending nationwide and also provides retail banking services, including checking, money markets, CD’s, and other convenience services at its branch locations. Distinguished by the SBA as an “SBA Preferred Lender,” Ridgestone Bank is a top 10 SBA lender in the nation is the number one SBA lender in Illinois and is the number one SBA lender in its asset size in Wisconsin. Ridgestone Bank is a leader in USDA lending in the United States and has been recognized as a valued partner by the USDA for its commitment to small businesses. For more information, call 262-789-1011 or visit www.ridgestone.com.